Penrith’s high-profile signing was widely expected to start the new season alongside Nathan Cleary.
Ivan Cleary has confirmed reports star recruit Blaize Talagi is not quite up to speed with the systems and structures at Penrith, after explaining the 19-year-old’s shock omission from their Las Vegas season opener. The Panthers coach sprang his first major shock of the new season by naming Jack Cole at No.6 for Sunday’s (AEDT) Vegas showdown against Cronulla, and Talagi amongst the reserves.
That’s despite Penrith signing the ex-Parramatta young gun as their long-term No.6, following the departure of former Panthers fan favourite Jarome Luai to the Wests Tigers. Most expected Talagi to start the new season in the halves alongside co-captain and champion No.7 Nathan Cleary, but the 19-year-old will have to bide his time.
Talagi did undergo off-season shoulder surgery and there was a sense Penrith’s coach was reluctant to risk his young recruit so early in the season. But veteran league journalist Brent Read floated a theory on NRL 360 this week that the decision to leave Talagi out was based more around his challenges adapting to the intricate defensive and attacking structures at this generation’s greatest team.
“I think the issue was that he had a shoulder reconstruction in the off-season so he wasn’t with the team all the time on the park,” Read said. “But I don’t think he is as advanced as maybe they thought he would be in terms of his football knowledge and football nous.
“They are very confident he’ll get there eventually but for the time being, the Panthers believe Jack Cole is the right man to play five-eighth alongside Nathan Cleary. Blaize has signed a long-term deal there and he’s only 19 so time is on his side.”
Ivan Cleary explains Blaize Talagi omission
Panthers coach Cleary has now confirmed those reports about Taalgi adapting to Penrith’s systems but admitted it would take some work and pointed out that the teen had plenty of time on his side. “Blaize’s time will come. He’s only a young man,” Cleary said. “He’s got to work out our system a bit and he’s just coming off a shoulder reco. His time will come.”
The Penrith coach was also quick to point out that Cole had impressed playing in the halves for his side last season and deserved first crack this year. “Jack’s been a man in waiting for a few years. He filled in well last year for the games he played,” Penrith coach Cleary added. “We see him as the best chance for us to win tomorrow.”
Blaize Talagi and Jack Cole could play together for Penrith
Tellingly, the Panthers mentor admits he can “totally” see a scenario where Talagi and Cole both play in the same side this year. Talagi has already proven his versatility after featuring in every backline position except for halfback during the 20 games he played for Parramatta across his rookie NRL season in 2024. That includes being used off the bench for the Eels.
It comes after Penrith’s champion halfback Cleary admitted this week that Talagi could face a tough task breaking into the Panthers’ starting side, after talking up halves partner Cole and the competition for a starting berth between the two playmakers. “I think he has, he’s proven that through the pre-season, that’s why he’s starting at six,” Cleary said about Cole’s prospects of claiming the No.6 jersey.
“Obviously Blaize is coming off a shoulder as well. We’ve still got a little bit of time to go with him, but I think ‘Coley’ has really impressed. Even in his games last year, I thought they were great experiences for him to build on. It’s exciting.” The Panthers and Sharks lock horns in the final game of four in Vegas, with the Canberra Raiders and New Zealand Warriors to open the new NRL season.
